August Favourites

Hello, today I am re-introducing the monthly favourites to this corner of the internet. I feel like non of my favourites will quite compare to my Edinburgh trip, but I've already written 3 posts on that! So this post will be more "things" based.

In my current random favourites I wrote briefly about How to Get Away With Murder, I am now as up to date as I can be whilst be in the UK, and being all legit with my viewing. I binged the whole of series 2 early this month, and I think that was the most intense thing I've EVER watched, but it was so great. A brief summary, Annalise Keeting is a defence attorney/law professor who teaches the class 'how to get away with murder', she picks 5 students a year to work for her. She and her students become entwined in the cover up of Annalise's husband's murder. This is definitely the best thriller tv show I have ever watched. Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix and season 3 is showing on Sky Living Thursday's at 9pm.

On a lighter note...

One of my fashion favourites this month has been this rather statement t-shirt from HM. When I saw this in the shop, it was a magpie moment. Except I'm not a magpie and there was no glittering jewellery being stolen. I just had to had this, I feel it has that gucci vibe and I'm quite frankly obsessed with this t-shirt.

I have been searching for a replacement denim skirt for the longest time, I didn't want one of those button up ones, because they simply do not suit my kim k bootay and the buttons pull no matter how much I over size. I actually saw this skirt on a Tanya Burr haul, this skirt has the same A-line shape and wraps over, making it super flattering. Yasss found a denim skirt I actually like and don't feel frumpy in.

And those are my brief favourites for this month!

xxx

Edinburgh Tourist Times

Hello, this is a post written by a girl who is rather eager to head back up to Edinburgh! I had never been before, and this was my last definite opportunity to stay with Grace. So I booked the time off work and got my wee little arse up there. I must say I was totally blown away by the scenery, you could be walking down your average city road and then BOOM look to your left you would have the Crags just doing there thing. For this Norfolk girl it was totally different from anywhere I had seen before. Lets look at my tourist photos...

Victoria Street is the prettiest road building wise in Edinburgh for sure, it had independent shops on, a Harry Potter place, colourful buildings and there was a great Hog Roast shop.

On top of Calton Hill is the rather imposing National Monument of Scotland a memorial for Soldiers and Sailers in the Napoleonic Wars.

 On top of Carlton Hill you get amazing views of all around Edinburgh, and is a great option if you're not climbing Arthur's Seat.

 Holyrood Palace

Our time in the National Museum of Scotland was short, my favourite thing was all the interactive items, even though I crashed an F1 car, because I thought I was better than the small children using it!

The Underbelly was such a cool venue, with lots of lights and places to hang out.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

Topshop New In A/W

Hello, so I was just scrolling through the Topshop 'New In' page and literally found myself pinning EVERYTHING. I love topshop but I really feel they do Autumn and Winter clothing best. There's lots of fun interesting pieces which I just have to share with you!

1. Star Print Wrap Dress

Wrap dresses were everywhere this Summer, however I found that the super girly style of the dress mixed with dainty prints was too girly for my tastes. However this star print is gorgeous, but certainly not quaint. It would be a good contender for a Christmas party dress!

2. Boxy Rib Roll Neck

As soon as the temperature goes lower than 15ºC a roll neck is a wardrobe staple, this one can be thrown on with anything and ticks boxes for that smart/casual work dress code. For a super cosy look I would pair this with my velvet jeans and boots, and chuck over a leather jacket.

3. The Humbug Suit

I didn't know it was physically possible for my face to become the heart eye emoji, when I scrolled past this however I  couldn't not click on it. I'm not sure I'd quite have the balls to wear this combination but its beauts.

4. Cropped Borg Jacket

If you know me, you will be very aware I am a coat collector, I cannot help but purchase a couple of coats a year. I first saw this on Megan Ellaby's instagram story, and was like neeeeeeddddd YAAASSSS queeeeeen! SO yep, I like this a little bit!

Thanks for reading my little impromptu post

xxx

Edinburgh Fringe #2

Hello! Welcome to my second and last Edinburgh Fringe post. On my second day I got to see three different things.

Lucy Pearman: Maid of Cabbage

‘Traditionally unmarried maids were sent of to look for the perfect cabbage’

I booked to see this, as it was one of the actors from Prom Kween and i had a slot midday I wanted to fill with something. I really had no idea what to expect, as we followed the tale of the new maid - searching for a cabbage to avoid being fired. There was plenty of audience participation, I must say I am glad Wasn’t directly involved - but it was great seeing unsuspecting people being used, to read, as a horse and of course competing in a cabbage competition. It was totally bonkers and hilarious, its a free show but very popular so get tickets whilst you can. Go and see it if you want to see something completely different.

Quarter Life Crisis

This is another one person play. I was drawn in to watch this as the description might as well have been #millenialproblems. This isn’t a belly laugh type of production, however I did enjoy this relatable play. There was elements of audience participation, compared to Maid of Cabbage a lot less embarrassing in nature. Enjoyable but I’ not sure I’m in a hurry to go and see it again… Just left me a little underwhelmed - but art is subjective and that cannot be helped.

Testosterone

Is the story of Kit a transgender man, recounting the story of his transition and the wider theme of what it actually is to be a man. Whilst exploring an extremely important topic, the use of physical theatre, comedy and song - made what for some is a difficult subject or something that is an alien concept, accessible and understandable. Whether you are male, female and non-binary there is something for everyone to take away from this piece of theatre. The Rhum and Clay theatre company have hit the balance of playful and important perfectly. You have to see this, it is for everyone not just the LGBT+ community.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx 

Edinburgh Fringe #1

Hello, for the past week I have had a change of scenery, I have been up in Edinburgh visiting Grace who I've known pretty much for all of time. As you are probably aware it is currently fringe season , so there is lots going on and the city is heaving with people, the atmosphere has been amazing. I'm trying to see as much as possible, but simultaneously trying to be quite chill.

My first day was a day to explore as Monday is generally quieter on the fringe. We did see One free show, the Jolly Boats. Which was hilarious, starting with pirate karaoke - sounds awful but is great. If you are a fan of puns this show is for you. Later on we went to an industry talk at Fringe Central 'How to be an Industry Leader' there wasn't so much a literal how to guide in how to become a Leader, but anyone who puts in enough work can achieve that. The discussion however segued onto the issue of Diversity specifically in British Theatre industry, mainly around race, but also gender. It was interesting to see what these leaders had to say.

Tuesday was our first proper fringe day, we had 3 shows to see which were all a contrast to each other. 

Starting with How To Act, which is being performed throughout the fringe at Summerhall - a beautiful venue which I wish I took a picture of because it was such a nice chill venue especially the courtyard. Onto this great piece of theatre. In summary the premise of this play is set around an acting workshop with a renowned director, with a actor chosen to take part in the workshop. This play had two interesting themes and seemed to lead perfectly on from the debate of the previous evening. The first theme being the West's relationship with different cultures, thinking we have understanding but overall are completely oblivious to the effect we have had on countries such as Nigeria. The other being truth, the difference between your truth, someone else's and the actual truth being unclear. This was such a powerful thought-provoking piece of theatre.

Freshers was performed by Norwich group Six Toes, made up of Theatre Arts Course alumni. This was a new play written by Heather Kelly, who also performed in the play. Its about a group of students arriving at their halls at Birmingham University. This was a highly energetic and engaging piece. 

The final production of the day was Prom Kween, potentially my favourite production of the day - only by a smidgen. Prom Kween followed the story of Matthew, a non-binary kid in his last year at high school in America as he is nominated for Prom Queen against one of the most popular girls in school. This musical is filled with Ru Paul and current affairs references, yes there was a reference to running through wheat fields. This show was packed with laughs and sass - I would happily see this one again.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

Norwich Theatre Royal Brochure 76

Hello, the new Norwich Theatre Royal brochure has been out for about a month now and I've had a good opportunity to have a browse through and pick what I think are the best bits!

Most Excited For: Jersey Boys, The Musical

Musical: Miss Saigon

Dance: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella

Play: Around the World in 80 Days

Scroll down for more detail!

Jersey Boys

I was working front of house when this was last at Norwich Theatre Royal, and I fell in love with the music. Unfortunately it was pretty much sold out for the run, so I couldn't get last minute tickets. I won't make the same mistake twice. I must say however I do find "juke box" musicals hit and miss - so I'm nervously extremely excited for it next June.

Miss Saigon

The cherry on top of the cake in NTR's new season. Pretty much a year today Cameron Mackintosh's smash hit is coming to Norwich. I was so unbelievably gutted when I missed the run on in London's West End, and frankly New York is too expensive and far to go. I'm excited to see who will be in the cast come next August.

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella

It took  me until 2017 to see my first Matthew Bourne - The Red Shoes, it was such a BEAUTIFUL piece of dance theatre, I was mesmerised throughout. Cinderella is probably my favourite fairytale and I am excited to see it brought to life in war time London.

Around the World in 80 Days

This is one of those stories you know about, it has been adapted into countless films, tv shows even a board game. I feel this is going to be absolutely ridiculous but in the absolute best way and will be great in January to counter act the post Christmas blues.

Those are my best picks from the new brochure.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

*Updated* Top 5 Showtunes

Hello, last time I did this post was back in April 2015 and I have been introduced to so many different musicals since then - it's perfect time to go and have a little round up.

1. Waving Through a Window from Dear Evan Hansen

Is probably the song I have listened to most this year, when Spotify tells me at the end of the year what I have listened to most this will be right here. I feel the concept for Dear Evan Hansen is so so unusual for a musical, I'm not sure I can name many if any that focus around Social Anxiety. Waving Through a Window, is  a super relatable song. We've all been there when we've watched something from a far, but felt we couldn't do it because we would screw it up - yet we have no evidence why that would be the case.

2. King of New York from Newsies

Newsies where have you been all my life? This is a proper broadway/disney musical, I must say I was looking forward to seeing it in the cinema, but I really wasn't sure how much I would like the musical. I love nothing more than a slick AF tap routine - is Tap boner a thing?! Sorry that was a bit crude. So yes I chose this song for the tap, which is a great reason.

3. One Normal Night from The Addams Family

Again I feel this is such a relatable song. Everyone as teenagers have been embarrassed by their family whether its a new boyfriend coming over or just your friends, feeling like you have to brief them. However I don't think any family could be as kooky as the Addams Family. This song is also a great one to belt around the house. 

4. Top Hat, White Tie and Tails from Top Hat

The music from the golden era of movie musicals are just dreamy. Top Hat is my favourite which semi-recently was turned into a stage show, which we can safely say stole my heart when I sat in the auditorium of the Aldwych Theatre. After much debate my favourite song is Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.

5. Do You Hear the People Sing? from Les Miserables

I have had an 8 year long love affair with Les Miserables, seeing it for my 4th time a couple of weeks ago, I could literally watch this on a weekly basis, I don't think I would ever get tired off the musical. So my favourite song eh? After serious deliberation I have gone Do You Hear the People Sing. Les Mis does most songs well, but you cannot beat the impact of a company number. Sung near the end of Act 1 and reprised for the End of Act 2. I bloody love it.

I haven't mentioned Hamilton, but that deserves its own list, which I did earlier this year here.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

Stagey Scrapbook Update

Hello, I have literally seen so many shows this year already, which for this stagey is DREAMY!! As I've gone along I've kept my tickets, kept show flyers and taken lots of photos with my scrapbook in mind.

The page from the right is from what I can only call Stagey tourism when me and Loren went to visit the Theatre Hamilton will be in and also chilled in the Theatre Cafe. In the corner we also have where I super randomly met Carrie Hope Fletcher in the street, where I stopped for a chat and a selfie. What an absolute babe.

 The caption above says it all really. Amanda is a bloody great actress, but when Abigail's Party came to Norwich Theatre Royal she was just the loveliest person making time for everyone and just being a babe. Also you should follow her on twitter @CHIMPSINSOCKS

I really do recommend making a scrapbook as well as keeping all your bits and bobs in one area, it is so relaxing to do and so nice not to be looking at a screen whether that is computer or a TV screen.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

August Goals

Hello, and welcome to what could become a new monthly segment. This month I really feel there are a few little things I want to do - this is hardly a bucket list. I want to be accountable, so writing things down and putting them up on the internet seemed ideal.

This month I really want to keep track of where my money is going, for specifically than A) I've eaten it (bought food) or B) I'm wearing it (bought clothes). One day I'd really like to move out of the parental home, but for that I need to know where exactly my pennies are going.

I say this all the time, but I really need to start cycling to work, its cheap and it also importantly gets me to work. Exercising and saving money. However this year I've cycled to work once!! If it looks like it is definitely going to be dry on a day. I will get on my lovely bike.

At the start of this year I was so into reading, I even read Jane Eyre. I stopped and now I just seemingly can't restart. I need some good book recommendations, maybe an autobiography or some YA I'm just so stuck right now.

Oh blogging, why are you so hard to do consistently. Full time bloggers I really do take my hat off to you. This month I really would like to at least have one post a week up on here. Whether thats theatre, fashion or political, I will do it. I have a few ideas and hopefully I will be struck by inspiration.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx